Dental Radiology & 3D CBCT in Turkey
Panoramic X-rays, periapical imaging and 3D CBCT scans in-house at our Pendik clinic. £10–£80 per study compared to £15–£300 in UK private practice. Same Sirona / Carestream equipment, free written report in English, full DICOM file for your UK dentist.
Who is this service for?
CBCT is the standard of care for implant planning — bone height, bone width, nerve distance and sinus position all need volumetric measurement. We supply the scan and report to your UK implantologist.
A failed root canal, an impacted tooth, an unexplained pain, or a treatment recommendation you're not sure about — CBCT often reveals what 2D imaging missed. £40–£80 scan can save hundreds in misdirected treatment.
Complex orthodontic cases benefit from CBCT or lateral cephalometric imaging for treatment planning. We provide both, with measurements and the DICOM file for use by your orthodontist.
Before any extraction of impacted lower wisdom teeth, a CBCT shows the exact relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve. Even if you're having extraction in the UK, the imaging supports safer surgical planning.
The imaging process — usually completed within 30 minutes
From check-in to walking out with the DICOM file on a USB drive, most imaging visits take under half an hour. The written report follows by email within 24 hours.
- 1Remote consultation (free)
Send us the clinical question via WhatsApp or our online form — what does your dentist want to know? We confirm the appropriate imaging study (panoramic, full-mouth periapicals, small-field CBCT, large-field CBCT) and quote the price. No deposit needed.
- 2Arrival at the clinic
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 8km from the clinic — we provide a free transfer. On arrival a brief clinical history is taken: any medical conditions, pregnancy status, the specific area of concern. The imaging study is confirmed.
- 3Preparation
You remove any metal jewellery (earrings, necklaces, glasses) from the head and neck area. A lead apron and thyroid collar are fitted. For CBCT, a chinstrap and forehead support stabilise your head during the scan.
- 4Image capture
Periapical X-ray: a tiny sensor in your mouth, exposure under 1 second. Panoramic: standing in the machine, the arm rotates around your head for 12–18 seconds. CBCT: standing or seated in the scanner, 10–25 seconds total exposure depending on field of view. Pulsed-mode operation reduces dose further.
- 5Immediate review
The dentist reviews the images on a high-resolution clinical monitor with you, identifies the key findings related to your clinical question, and answers any immediate questions. We don't rush this — typical review time is 10–15 minutes.
- 6DICOM file delivery
You leave with the DICOM file on a USB drive plus a JPEG/PDF copy for non-technical viewing. The DICOM is the gold-standard format — your UK dentist can open it in any modern dental software. We also email the files to you and to your nominated UK dentist (with written consent).
- 7Written report within 24 hours
A formal written report in English is emailed to you within 24 hours. The report includes the clinical question, imaging findings, key measurements, and our radiological interpretation. Suitable for sharing with your UK dentist and including in your patient file.
Transparent pricing
Last updated: May 2026£10 – £120 per imaging study
UK private clinics typically charge £15–£300 per study for comparable imaging. Roughly $13–$155 USD for international comparison. All prices include a free written report in English and the full DICOM file. No surprise fees for report writing or DICOM export — both are standard.
- Periapical X-ray (single tooth): £10–£15
- Full-mouth series (10–14 periapicals): £40–£60
- Bitewing X-rays (2–4 images): £20–£30
- Panoramic (OPG): £25
- Lateral cephalometric: £30–£40
- Small-field CBCT (single tooth/quadrant): £40–£60
- Medium-field CBCT (half-jaw): £60–£80
- Large-field CBCT (both jaws / full TMJ): £80–£120
- Digital smile design with intraoral scan: £80–£120
- Written report: included (no separate charge)
- DICOM file export: included
Why fly to Turkey just for an X-ray?
For most patients, a single 2D X-ray isn't worth a flight. But CBCT is different — UK CBCT prices of £150–£300 plus a radiologist's report fee make the imaging genuinely cost-prohibitive for patients who want a second opinion or independent planning advice. A £40–£80 scan with free written report plus a £100 flight is significantly cheaper than UK private imaging alone, and faster than the NHS pathway in many cases.
Your UK dentist quotes £8,000 for full-arch implants but wants you to fund a £250 CBCT first. The Turkey scan with written report costs £80 — and gives you an independent measurement before committing to the larger expense.
Your UK dentist says a re-root-canal isn't possible and the tooth needs extraction. A CBCT often reveals a missed canal that wasn't visible on the 2D X-ray — and the tooth can be saved with re-treatment. £40 scan vs £4,000 implant.
Lower wisdom tooth extraction is a higher-risk procedure when nerve proximity is uncertain. £60 CBCT with written report supports the UK oral surgeon's planning, often changing the surgical approach.
Many of our imaging-only patients come on day trips, combining the scan with a few hours of Istanbul sightseeing. Sabiha Gökçen has direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Dublin daily; you can fly in at 09:00, have the scan at 10:30, lunch in Pendik or the Old City, and fly back in the evening.
The three concerns we hear most often
A periapical X-ray is roughly 1 day of background radiation. A panoramic is about a week. A small-field CBCT is 1–3 weeks; a full-jaw CBCT around 4–6 weeks. By comparison, a transatlantic flight delivers about 5–10 days of background, a chest X-ray 10 days, a mammogram a month, and a chest CT 2–3 years' worth. Modern dental imaging is in the very-low-dose range — we use pulsed mode, lowest-dose protocols consistent with diagnostic clarity, and never image without genuine clinical indication.
Almost always yes — modern dental practices are familiar with DICOM files and written radiological reports. The DICOM is the raw imaging data, identical to what UK imaging centres produce. Our written report follows standard radiological convention: clinical question, imaging findings, measurements, interpretation. If your UK dentist needs a specific format or additional measurements, message us — we'll provide them at no charge. We've never had a UK practice refuse to accept our reports.
Our 3D CBCT scanner is a Sirona Orthophos SL — the same model used in UK university hospital dental departments and large private practices. Our panoramic imaging is from Carestream; periapicals use Sirona digital sensors. The equipment is CE-marked, regularly calibrated, and audited by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We're not running budget kit — we use the same equipment that costs £80,000+ to buy and £20–£40k a year to run in any country.
Why Turkey, and why Pendik specifically?
Dental imaging is the area where the UK price markup is hardest to justify. The scanner is the same. The protocol is the same. The DICOM file is identical. The £150–£300 UK private price reflects equipment lease costs, radiologist time, and clinic overheads specific to operating in the UK economy — not anything intrinsic to the imaging itself. Turkey delivers the same product at a fraction of the cost because the cost structure is fundamentally different.
Pendik is the practical choice within Istanbul for imaging visits. Tourist-zone clinics in Taksim or Şişli mean an extra 60–90 minutes of traffic from Sabiha Gökçen Airport — which is a lot of overhead for a 30-minute imaging appointment. Our clinic is 8 kilometres from Sabiha Gökçen, a 15-minute taxi ride. Direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Dublin land daily; you can plan a day trip with the imaging slotted between morning arrival and evening departure.
For UK patients comparing options, the rough maths is: £40–£80 for the scan, £80–£150 for the return flight, £20–£40 for transfers and food. Total: £140–£270 for a scan with written report — versus £150–£300 in UK private practice for the scan alone. The trip pays for itself, and the Istanbul sightseeing is the bonus.
What is CBCT and why does it matter?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a 3D imaging technique specifically developed for dental and maxillofacial applications. Unlike a standard 2D X-ray, which compresses a three-dimensional structure into a flat image, CBCT produces a volumetric data set that can be sliced and viewed from any angle. The result is sub- millimetre precision in measuring bone thickness, identifying nerve position, assessing root anatomy, and planning surgical procedures.
CBCT has become the standard of care in dentistry for implant planning, complex endodontic treatment, impacted tooth assessment, and pre-orthodontic evaluation. Radiation dose is roughly 5–10× lower than a comparable medical CT scan, thanks to the focused cone-shaped beam and shorter exposure time. The trade-off is that CBCT is less suited to soft-tissue imaging than medical CT — but for hard-tissue dental applications, it's the imaging modality of choice.
When CBCT actually changes the treatment plan
CBCT is most clinically valuable when 2D imaging is genuinely inadequate. Lower wisdom teeth are the canonical example: the inferior alveolar nerve runs close to the tooth roots, and the exact 3D relationship determines whether full extraction is safe or whether coronectomy is the better option. 2D panoramic imaging shows the rough relationship but compresses critical spatial information; CBCT resolves it. Implant planning is similar — bone height, bone width, sinus floor position, and adjacent tooth roots are all 3D considerations that 2D imaging can't reliably measure.
Failed root canal treatment is another high-value indication. The most common cause of late root canal failure is a missed accessory canal — a small branch off the main canal that wasn't detected or treated the first time. 2D imaging can't reliably show accessory canals; CBCT often can. A £60 scan can reveal whether the tooth can be saved with re-treatment (£150–£280) or whether extraction and implant (£450–£950) is the realistic option. The scan often pays for itself many times over by guiding the right treatment.
Digital smile design and intraoral scanning
Beyond conventional radiography, we offer intraoral scanning with Medit i700 or 3Shape Trios scanners — producing a high-resolution 3D digital model of the teeth and gums without any need for messy impression material. The scan takes 5–10 minutes per arch and forms the foundation for digital smile design, orthodontic simulation, crown and bridge fabrication, and Invisalign planning.
Digital smile design combines the intraoral scan with a facial photograph and a 2D mock-up of proposed treatment — giving you a realistic preview of how veneers, crowns or orthodontic treatment would look before any clinical work begins. For patients planning significant cosmetic treatment, it's a powerful decision-making tool. The total cost is £80–£120 and includes the scan, mock-up, and a written discussion of options.
How we keep radiation dose minimal
The principle is ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable. In practice this means: we never image without a clinical question that the imaging will help answer; we choose the smallest field-of-view consistent with the clinical question (a small-field CBCT for a single-tooth issue rather than a full-jaw scan); we use pulsed-mode CBCT acquisition (which delivers lower total dose than continuous scanning); and we fit lead aprons and thyroid collars for every patient. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication and we postpone non-urgent imaging until after delivery; we ask about pregnancy status before any scan.
The doses involved in modern dental imaging are low — a CBCT is equivalent to a few weeks of natural background radiation, and a single periapical is equivalent to a day. We don't say this to be dismissive of legitimate radiation concerns; we say it because putting the numbers in context matters. The risk from a clinically indicated dental CBCT is much lower than the risk of a missed diagnosis or a poorly planned surgical procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How much do dental X-rays and CBCT scans cost in Turkey compared to the UK?+
A periapical X-ray (single tooth) is £10–£15 at our Pendik clinic, a full panoramic is £25, and a 3D CBCT scan is £40–£80 depending on field of view. UK private clinics typically charge £15–£30 for a periapical, £80–£150 for a panoramic, and £150–£300 for a CBCT. NHS imaging is included in NHS treatment but only when the dentist refers — patients can't request a CBCT for second-opinion or planning purposes outside of treatment. Our imaging includes a free written report and DICOM file you can share with any UK dentist.
What's the difference between 2D X-rays and 3D CBCT?+
2D dental X-rays (periapical, bitewing, panoramic) are excellent for screening and routine diagnosis — caries detection, periodontal bone level, basic tooth and jaw anatomy. 3D CBCT scans produce a volumetric image at sub-millimetre resolution, showing relationships between teeth, nerves, sinuses and bone that 2D imaging compresses into a single plane. CBCT is essential for implant planning, complex root canal cases, impacted wisdom teeth near the nerve, and orthodontic assessment. We do 2D for screening and CBCT only when clinically indicated.
Is the radiation dose safe?+
Modern digital dental imaging uses very low radiation doses. A single periapical X-ray is roughly equivalent to one day of natural background radiation. A full panoramic is about a week of background. A small-field CBCT is roughly 1–3 weeks of background; a full-jaw CBCT around 4–6 weeks. By comparison, a chest CT delivers about 2–3 years' worth of background radiation. We use the lowest dose consistent with diagnostic clarity, never image without clinical indication, and provide lead aprons and thyroid collars for every patient. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication — we postpone non-urgent imaging until after delivery.
Can I just come in for a scan without other treatment?+
Yes, absolutely. Many UK patients fly to Istanbul specifically for a CBCT scan to support a treatment decision back home — second opinion on a complex implant case, evaluation of an impacted tooth, assessment of a failed root canal, or pre-orthodontic planning. We offer standalone imaging with a free written report in English. Total visit time is around 30 minutes (scan plus consultation); you can fly in, get the scan, and fly home the same day if scheduling allows.
Will the report be in English?+
Yes. All written reports for international patients are produced in English and emailed within 24 hours of the scan. The report includes the clinical question, the imaging findings, key measurements (bone height, nerve distance, sinus floor position), and our radiological interpretation. We also send the full DICOM file so your UK dentist can view it on their own software. The DICOM file is the gold standard — it's the raw data, not a compressed image, and any dental practice with modern software can open it.
What software do you use to read the scans?+
We use Sirona Sidexis (the manufacturer's software), OnDemand3D (a specialised CBCT viewer), and Romexis from Planmeca for cross-referencing. The DICOM file we provide is compatible with all major UK dental software platforms including SimPlant, BlueSkyPlan, NobelClinician and CoDiagnostiX. If your UK dentist needs a specific export format, just let us know — we'll generate it for free.
Can the scan help with a complex case my UK dentist is reviewing?+
This is one of the most common reasons UK patients come to us for imaging. A 3D CBCT often reveals information that changes the treatment plan — a previously undetected accessory canal in a failed root canal case, a thinner-than-expected bone width for an implant, an impacted tooth in a position the 2D X-ray didn't reveal. The £40–£80 scan can save hundreds of pounds in misdirected treatment. We're happy to liaise directly with your UK dentist (with your written consent) to discuss findings.
Do you do digital smile design imaging as well?+
Yes. For patients planning cosmetic work (veneers, full-mouth rehabilitation), we offer digital smile design imaging combined with intraoral scanning. This produces a 3D digital model of your teeth, a facial photograph integration, and a simulation of how proposed treatment would look. The total cost is £80–£120 depending on the complexity, and it's a powerful planning tool for patients deciding between treatment options. Send us your idea on WhatsApp for an outline of what's possible.
Book an imaging appointment
Tell us the clinical question your dentist wants answered. We respond within 2 working hours with the recommended imaging study, GBP price, and available appointment slots. Day trips welcome.